On Monday, the New York City Council advanced a controversial rezoning initiative enabling the establishment of a proposed casino and entertainment center in Coney Island. While proponents claim the project could stimulate local employment and economic growth, opponents express concerns it might disrupt the existing community fabric.

The council voted 36-11 with four abstentions in favor of “The Coney,” a leisure development led by Thor Equities, permitting the removal of part of Bowery Street and the acquisition of necessary air rights to erect three high-rise towers alongside two pedestrian bridges.

The proposed construction will span over 1.3 million square feet, featuring a casino, a 500-room hotel, a convention facility, retail outlets, and 1,500 parking spaces. Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel will not be impacted by the initiative.

“This vote demonstrates that as more community members understand our project and its advantages, support grows.” stated Melissa Gliatta, COO of Thor Equities, following the vote. “We have taken another step toward delivering on our promise of economic revitalization for Coney Island, which includes creating thousands of jobs and establishing a $200 million community trust fund.”

The decision came after extensive discussion in the locality. In January, Brooklyn’s Community Board 13 voiced significant opposition to the rezoning proposal, while Borough President Antonio Reynoso offered conditional backing. Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents Coney Island, recognized the divided opinions, emphasizing that the final decision will involve a larger array of stakeholders.

Proposed Casino Rendering

“It is vital that every stakeholder has the opportunity to express their views on this topic through the mandated Community Advisory Committee process in New York State,” he remarked. “Ultimately, local lawmakers will reach a collective decision.”

Council Member Inna Vernikov, representing segments of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, opposed the proposal. “This demapping enhances the likelihood of the casino proposal being realized,” she expressed. “Over the last month and now years, it has become evident that a majority within the community are against a casino in Coney Island.”

The project faces another significant challenge: obtaining one of the three casino licenses that New York State will issue for downstate operations. Last week, the team behind The Coney filed its official application with the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board, joining seven other contenders.

Each proposal will be rigorously evaluated by a local Community Advisory Committee, which is required to conduct public hearings and cast a judgment on the project by September 30. Only proposals that secure two-thirds majority support from their respective committees will be put forth for state evaluation, with final license determinations anticipated by year-end.

If The Coney successfully acquires a gaming license, its three towers could range from 153 to 402 feet high, linked via two ‘floating’ pedestrian bridges over Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street. Developers assert that the project will create 4,000 union construction jobs, 4,500 permanent positions, and establish a $200 million community trust fund, along with an additional $15 million per year for local emergency services.

However, dissenters, including the longstanding cultural establishment Coney Island USA, remain vocally opposed. Artistic Director Adam Rinn, whose organization occupies the land earmarked for redevelopment, described the council’s decision as “deeply disappointing.”

“We have collected over 20,000 signatures opposing this casino initiative,” he emphasized. “It is frustrating that these officials fail to recognize this level of dissent. This project is not designed to benefit the community; rather, it threatens to devastate it.”

Rinn expressed hope that the licensing procedures will ultimately thwart the casino’s establishment, citing the 11 dissenting votes within the council as a symbol of continued opposition. “We trust that the citizens of this city will support our cause,” he reiterated. “We hope elected officials take note of the backing we are receiving.”